"You notice our table is a little bit smaller today," Berman said. "We miss our friend frankly, coach Ditka. If you haven't heard, coach Ditka suffered a minor stroke Friday in Chicago and has been hospitalized for a couple of days. He's in good spirits. He plans to be back soon. He wants everybody out there to know that he is OK. That's great news.

"It's very, very strange sitting here without you, coach," Berman said. "Just do the right thing, will you? Get some rest and understand that millions of people throughout America are really rooting for you this weekend, just as they always have. That includes everybody here."

Ditka was released from the hospital on Sunday morning.

About Bob Wolfley

Bob Wolfley retired in October 2014 He wrote the SportsDay blog and column and about TV and radio issues.